MLB says no to Dirk

[Los Pollos Hermanos]

http://espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/story/...h-world-series

The Texas Rangers nominated Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki to throw out a first pitch before one of their home games in the World Series, but the recommendation has been nixed by Major League Baseball.

The Rangers confirmed that they sent Nowitzki's name as part of a list of first-pitch possibilities and that MLB decided not to use him. The club did not say why he was rejected.

Unlike regular-season games, all first-pitch assignments in the World Series have to be approved from a list of candidates by the league office.

Sources told ESPNDallas.com that -- with the NBA in the midst of a lockout that has spanned 111 days -- at least some hesitation stems from the idea that MLB executives want to stand behind their basketball counterparts and have notified the Rangers that they won't bestow first-pitch honors on an NBA player.

Major League Baseball insists that the NBA's labor unrest had no impact on Nowitzki not being selected to throw out the first pitch.

"MLB absolutely denies that any part in selecting the first ball pitcher had anything to do with the current labor situation in the NBA," MLB spokesman Pat Courtney said. "You want the club's input in what makes sense for them and then we talk about what makes sense for the team and a good broad-base national appeal.

"It's a nice problem to have that you get a list of 10 or 15 names and you work your way through them. We know Nowitzki's been at the games, and that's wonderful. We're glad he's there."

Nowitzki declined comment Wednesday, but a statement from his Twitter account indicated that he would maintain support for the Rangers during the World Series:

"Thanks every1 on the support regarding first pitch. Its ok.Mlb is too old school. I will still be there to support our boys. Let's get game1"

Nowitzki, who was the MVP of the NBA Finals, is a diehard Rangers fan who says he watches "every playoff game" and attended Game 6 of the American League Championship Series.

He also threw out the first pitch before the Rangers' game June 25 against the New York Mets, roughly two weeks after leading the Mavericks past the Miami Heat for the first championship in franchise history.

"[Nowitzki] was a consideration and it's definitely not happening," one source with knowledge of the Rangers' thinking told ESPNDallas.com.

The NBA lockout began July 1. On July 22, Mavs teammate Jason Terry threw out the first pitch before the Rangers' game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Rangers CEO and Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins and former presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush threw out first pitches during last year's World Series games at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

[kysirsoze]

I'm trying to care less, but I just don't see it happening.

[Deberg_1990]

That's crap
Posted via Mobile Device

[pkane]

Holy shit. The lock out has lasted 111 days? Time flies when you don't give a shit.

[Rain Man]

Maybe they're afraid that an athlete from another sport will add some energy to the game.

I'm always amazed when I see people traveling to baseball games. I'll see people downtown wearing Cubs shirts or whatever, and I think, "Wow, so you're wearing your jersey to the game. Are you actually going to cheer and stuff?" Other than maybe a few lame cheers once in a while I've never heard anything remotely like crowd noise at a baseball game.

[Caseyguyrr]

haha well, now dirk has to find another way to kill his time, cuz he wont be playing NBA basketball

[Caseyguyrr]

Originally Posted by kysirsoze

I'm trying to care less, but I just don't see it happening.

me too

[pr_capone]

Originally Posted by Caseyguyrr

haha well, now dirk has to find another way to kill his time, cuz he wont be playing NBA basketball

I'm sure he is happy to simply roll around in his millions of dollars.

[kcxiv]

What?

[Caseyguyrr]

Originally Posted by pr_capone

I'm sure he is happy to simply roll around in his millions of dollars.

well, i might have fun doing that too, if i had more than $28 to roll around in

[Paniero]

You know who never says no to dick? The Iowanian. Try asking him

[KcMizzou]

So... why? I don't understand.

[evenfall]

The Texas Rangers only need one man to throw out the first pitch: Walker.

[Setsuna]

Dirk got an earing?

[chefsos]

Originally Posted by evenfall

The Texas Rangers only need one man to throw out the first pitch: Walker.

I don't think they're ready for their ballpark to be roundhouse kicked into a rubble pile just yet.